Asthma is a common chronic disease that often manifests itself in childhood. In France, it affects around 4 million people, with a higher prevalence in children: 10 % to 16 % of them would have presented symptoms typical of this disease in the last 12 months, compared to 6 % of adults, according to Inserm. The inflammation of the bronchi characteristic of asthma causes respiratory problems that can trigger episodes of hypoxia in the brain, where this vital organ is not sufficiently supplied with oxygen. Episodes that could have long-term consequences, particularly for the developing brain of children. The inflammation can also spread to the brain, as has been observed in rodents. There is therefore a possibility that this disease could affect the cognitive abilities of children. This hypothesis has just been reinforced by a study published on November 11, 2024 in the journal JAMA Network Open, or researchers at the University of California at Davis have demonstrated a correlation between asthma during childhood and a decline in memory, among other cognitive impairments.
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This chronic disease, caused by an inflammatory process of the respiratory tract, would be associated with a decline in memory in children according to this American study.
Asthma symptoms are more common in children, which could hamper their development.
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